Tressel makes pitch for University of Akron presidency

AKRON, Ohio — Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel has made his public pitch to be the next president of the University of Akron.

Tressel was one of three finalists for the post to speak to several hundred people gathered in a theater at the university’s student union Thursday.

Speaking without notes, Tressel — who’s spent two years as a top official at the school — touched on the importance of selflessness in a university leader and the significance of retaining and graduating students.

Tressel is set to make the same pitch Monday at Youngstown State University, where he is also a finalist for the president’s job.

Tressel was forced out as coach at Ohio State following a scandal in which his players sold memorabilia for cash and tattoos.